Popular Cork beach among six locations to lose Blue Flag award for 2026

Cork retained the highest combined total of coastal awards despite Fountainstown losing its Blue Flag designation

One of Cork’s best-known beaches, Fountainstown Beach, has lost its Blue Flag accolade. Picture: Chani Anderson

A total of 85 beaches, nine marinas, and one tourism boat have been recognised with Blue Flags, but one of Cork’s best-known beaches, Fountainstown Beach, has lost its accolade.

An Taisce announced the International Blue Flag and National Green Coast Award recipients for 2026 at a ceremony hosted by Cork County Council in Mall House on Friday.